If you're new to vaping or just curious about how shortfills and longfills work, you're in the right place. These bottle types are designed for vapers who want more flexibility — especially when it comes to nicotine strength and flavour customization. Here's everything you need to know.
🧪 What Are Shortfills?
Shortfills are bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid, partially filled to leave room for a nicotine shot (nic shot). The most common are:
- 50ml Shortfill in a 60ml bottle
- 100ml Shortfill in a 120ml bottle
This extra space lets you add a 10ml or 20ml nic shot, bringing the final strength up to your preferred level (usually around 3mg/ml with one 18mg nic shot per 50ml shortfill).
🧪 What Are Longfills?
Longfills contain a small amount of concentrated flavouring in a larger bottle — usually:
- 10–20ml of flavour concentrate in a 60ml or 120ml bottle
They're designed for you to add both nic shots and base liquid (VG/PG mix) to create a full, ready-to-vape juice. Longfills are ideal for DIY enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their nicotine strength and VG/PG ratio.
Shortfills vs Longfills: What's Right for You?
Shortfills
- Simplicity: Just add nic shots
- Convenience: Quick to mix and use
- Fixed VG/PG: Pre-determined ratio
- Perfect for: Beginners and those who want a straightforward option
Longfills
- Customization: Control both nicotine and VG/PG ratio
- Economy: More e-liquid for your money
- Steep time: Usually requires patience
- Perfect for: DIY enthusiasts and experienced vapers
🛠️ How to Mix a Shortfill
- Open the bottle – remove the nib or cap to reveal the fill space.
- Add your nic shot – usually one 10ml 18mg nic shot to make 60ml at 3mg strength.
- Close and shake – replace the nib and cap, then shake well for at least 30 seconds.
- Let it steep (optional) – some flavours benefit from steeping for a few days to smooth out.
✅ You're ready to vape! Once mixed, your shortfill is immediately ready to use.
🛠️ How to Mix a Longfill
- Check the label – it'll usually tell you how much base liquid and nic shot to add.
- Add your nic shots first – based on your desired strength.
- Top up with base VG/PG liquid – until the bottle is full.
- Shake thoroughly – the flavour concentrate needs time to mix evenly.
- Steep it – longfills often need a week or more to fully develop flavour.
💡 Pro tip: Label your bottle with the mix date so you know how long it's steeped.
🧯 Safety Tips
Always handle e-liquids and nicotine with appropriate care:
- Always handle nicotine with care – wash your hands after handling nic shots.
- Use gloves if you're mixing multiple longfills at once.
- Keep all e-liquids away from children and pets.
- Store your e-liquids in a cool, dark place to maintain flavor and potency.
- Always check bottle labels for specific mixing instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I choose a shortfill over a regular e-liquid?
Shortfills give you more flexibility with nicotine strength while often being more cost-effective than buying multiple smaller bottles. They're ideal for vapers who want to customize their vaping experience.
How long should I steep my mixed e-liquid?
Steeping time varies by flavor. Fruit flavors might need just a few days, while dessert and tobacco flavors benefit from 1-2 weeks of steeping. Longfills generally require longer steeping than shortfills.
Can I mix different strength nic shots?
Yes, you can mix different strength nic shots to achieve custom nicotine levels. Just be sure to calculate the final strength based on the total volume of liquid.
Do I need special equipment to mix shortfills or longfills?
For shortfills, no special equipment is needed. For longfills, you might find measuring syringes helpful for precise mixing, especially when adjusting VG/PG ratios.
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Shop Shortfills
Browse our extensive range of shortfill e-liquids with diverse flavor profiles to suit every palate.
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Explore our selection of longfill concentrates for the ultimate DIY vaping experience.
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Find the perfect nicotine shots to customize your vape juice exactly how you like it.
Vaping Terminology Guide
Shortfill
A bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid that's partially filled, leaving space to add nicotine shots.
Longfill
A bottle containing flavor concentrate that requires both nicotine and base liquid to be added.
Nic Shot
A small bottle of concentrated nicotine (usually 18mg/ml) used to add nicotine to shortfills and longfills.
VG (Vegetable Glycerin)
A thick, sweet liquid that produces dense vapor. Higher VG ratios create bigger clouds but work best in sub-ohm devices.
PG (Propylene Glycol)
A thinner liquid that carries flavor better and provides throat hit. Higher PG ratios work better in mouth-to-lung devices.
Steeping
The process of letting e-liquid age to enhance flavor development, similar to aging wine.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your e-liquids and vaping products. Products containing nicotine are addictive and not suitable for non-smokers, pregnant women, and those under the legal smoking age.